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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pretty_paints on March 19, 2004, at 9:06:24
hiya
I start on Efexor in a few days, for depression n anxiety (although depression is by far the worst problem). Im just coming off prozac (40mg per day) at the mo. I'm really worried, all unsure. But I think thats just coz its nerveracking starting on something new, knowing things could go either way.
Just a few questions tho, to caalm me! Iv read that (unlike prozac) efexor has an incredibly short life, which is why people get all these bad withdrawal effects. But what I wondered about (rather than more scary withdrawal stories!hehe) was, how do u feel if the drug lasts such a short time? I dunno, maybe I'm being dense, but do you get a low-high-low again wave over just 4 hours?? eeek! That sounds bad. Or do you generally feel quite level. I have noooo idea about this drug works.
Also, has anyone been on prozac and efexor? how do they compare? similarities/differences..?! better/worse..?!
thanks a lot.
fingers crossed for the next few days :)
Posted by Thereishope on March 19, 2004, at 11:55:25
In reply to So how does Efexor work?, posted by pretty_paints on March 19, 2004, at 9:06:24
I am not taking Effexor, but I would like to know how it works for you over the next couple of weeks. I'm thinking about adding Effexor along with Wellbutrin, but I'm still praying about this decision and researching this combo. My pdoc prescribed Wellbutrin only...while my gynecologist thinks Effexor should be added...Hmmm!
> hiya
>
> I start on Efexor in a few days, for depression n anxiety (although depression is by far the worst problem). Im just coming off prozac (40mg per day) at the mo. I'm really worried, all unsure. But I think thats just coz its nerveracking starting on something new, knowing things could go either way.
>
> Just a few questions tho, to caalm me! Iv read that (unlike prozac) efexor has an incredibly short life, which is why people get all these bad withdrawal effects. But what I wondered about (rather than more scary withdrawal stories!hehe) was, how do u feel if the drug lasts such a short time? I dunno, maybe I'm being dense, but do you get a low-high-low again wave over just 4 hours?? eeek! That sounds bad. Or do you generally feel quite level. I have noooo idea about this drug works.
>
> Also, has anyone been on prozac and efexor? how do they compare? similarities/differences..?! better/worse..?!
>
> thanks a lot.
> fingers crossed for the next few days :)
Posted by Sad Panda on March 21, 2004, at 23:49:03
In reply to So how does Efexor work?, posted by pretty_paints on March 19, 2004, at 9:06:24
> hiya
>
> I start on Efexor in a few days, for depression n anxiety (although depression is by far the worst problem). Im just coming off prozac (40mg per day) at the mo. I'm really worried, all unsure. But I think thats just coz its nerveracking starting on something new, knowing things could go either way.
>
> Just a few questions tho, to caalm me! Iv read that (unlike prozac) efexor has an incredibly short life, which is why people get all these bad withdrawal effects. But what I wondered about (rather than more scary withdrawal stories!hehe) was, how do u feel if the drug lasts such a short time? I dunno, maybe I'm being dense, but do you get a low-high-low again wave over just 4 hours?? eeek! That sounds bad. Or do you generally feel quite level. I have noooo idea about this drug works.
>
> Also, has anyone been on prozac and efexor? how do they compare? similarities/differences..?! better/worse..?!
>
> thanks a lot.
> fingers crossed for the next few days :)
>Prozac gave me extreme agitation & was a horrible experience for me, I then went on Effexor. The original version was imediate release & is rarely used these days. The XR version gives a slow & sustained release lasting for 24 hours for once a day dosing. I found it increases my anxiety for a week or so before it settles in & lowers it. I also get this effect when ever I get my dosage raised, so I take Valium for a week or so to help with the temporarily increased anxiety.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Bill LL on March 22, 2004, at 9:23:35
In reply to So how does Efexor work?, posted by pretty_paints on March 19, 2004, at 9:06:24
Effexor is very safe and is also very effective for both anxiety and depression.
BUT, scientists do not know how antidepressants work. They used to think that they work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin). But this theory is losing support.
Imaging studies are now suggesting that depressed people have a smaller hippocampus (a part of the brain) than non-depressed people. The latest theory is that antidepressants work by increasing the hippocampus to a normal level, and that effects on neurotransmitters is just a byproduct.
Scientists don't even know for sure how aspirin works. There are theories involving the inhibition of bradykinins (pain chemicals), making platelets less slippery, and a fever lowering mechanism, but they don't know in too much detail how it works.
Posted by Sad Panda on March 22, 2004, at 10:54:26
In reply to Re: So how does Efexor work?, posted by Bill LL on March 22, 2004, at 9:23:35
> Effexor is very safe and is also very effective for both anxiety and depression.
>Hi Bill,
I wouldn't say very safe. In normal use & in overdose it is proving to be more likely to cause a seizure than the TCA's it aledges to be safer than. It's also more likely to be a source of serotonin syndrome than most other AD's too.
Regardless, I still think it's a good med for people with serious depression.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Foobee on March 22, 2004, at 13:27:51
In reply to Re: So how does Efexor work? » Bill LL, posted by Sad Panda on March 22, 2004, at 10:54:26
In response to pretty_paints:
I've been on Effexor XR for a few years now (I had previously been on Zoloft, which sort of plateaued after 2 years). To be as unscientific as possible, it made me feel better. It almost immediately took away my depression and anxiety, and made me feel much healthier, physically and mentally.
As far as side effects go, I did have some insomnia during the first few weeks. That went away, though, as my body got used to the medication. I don't remember experiencing any other major initial side effects. My psychiatrist at the time said that while some anti-depressants can have the side effect of drowsiness, Effexor XR can have the opposite effect--hence, the initial insomnia. That information was given a few years ago, though, and may not reflect current research.
I take Effexor XR in the morning, and I feel fine all day. I feel normal. I don't feel like I'm "medicated." Thank goodness!
Despite the yucky withdrawal that comes with going off the drug, I am grateful for what Effexor XR has done for me, for my life.
Posted by pretty_paints on March 22, 2004, at 16:39:48
In reply to Re: So how does Efexor work?, posted by Foobee on March 22, 2004, at 13:27:51
Hi,
thanks all of you for your responses.
I'm a bit worried as I cant work out whether I have this XR version? I'm having a VERY low day today (dont get to start efexor until wed) and cant seem to understand anything on the leaflet. If I havent got the XR version, is everything destined to go wrong?? Eek. Have heard bad stuff about the other version. And I certainly dont want to be surfing on some kind of sudden-high-sudden-low wave. I have an inkling I have the non-XR version though (or maybe thats just my constant negetivity..hehe). Why didnt my doc just give me the XR if thats the better one? Is the other more expensive? (I dont have to pay at the mo - student - so dont know these things).
Thanks in response. You guys are angels.
Posted by Bill LL on March 23, 2004, at 10:20:29
In reply to Re: So how does Efexor work?, posted by pretty_paints on March 22, 2004, at 16:39:48
Don't worry about which version you take. All versions of Effexor have excellent reputations. This stuff involves a lot of trial and error. So if one version doesn't work out too well, you can try a different one.
This is the end of the thread.
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